The Seattle Seahawks defense earned a lot of accolades for its play in 2013.

That makes sense, seeing as how Seattle led the NFL in total defense, pass defense, forced turnovers and interceptions during the regular season. The Hawks saved the best for last — putting together perhaps their best performance in Super Bowl XLVIII, where they suffocated the best offense in the history of the league en route to a dominating 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos

And while the Legion of Boom secondary and the deep defensive line rotation grabbed a lot of the headlines following the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win, it was a member of the largely unheralded linebacking corps — third-year player Malcolm Smith — who grabbed the Big Game’s MVP award after his 69-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter.

It was appropriate for a group that was quietly elite last season. Led by middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, the unit didn’t get a lot of press, but was just as important to Seattle’s defensive success as the all-world secondary or the relentless pass-rush.

Each role in the group calls for a specific skillset, and head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have seemingly found a match at each position — for now. But with several key contributors entering the final year of their contracts in 2014, this unit could look a lot different next season.

Roster locks

Bobby Wagner (third season, Utah State)

Wagner was slotted to be the Hawks’ starting middle linebacker the moment the team selected him in the second round of the 2012 draft, and he’s done nothing to disappoint.

A well-rounded ‘backer who excels in both run support and in coverage, Wagner, 24, has played at a borderline Pro-Bowl level the last two seasons while also serving as the defensive signal caller. With his rookie deal running through 2016, Wagner will likely be one of the players Seattle attempts to lock up with a long-term contract extension next offseason.

Though he missed two games in 2013 with an ankle injury, Wagner led the team — and ranked 21st in the league — with 120 tackles, while also picking up five sacks, two interceptions and nine passes defended. He missed most of training camp after suffering a hamstring injury in a scrimmage, but returned to practice on Monday and should be ready to go in Week 1.

K.J. Wright (fourth season, Mississippi State)

An under-the-radar player on an under-the-radar unit, Wright is perhaps the most underrated player on the Seahawks defense. That says a lot, especially when we’re talking about a 6-foot-4, 246-pounder who ranks among the league’s best cover linebackers.

While Wright might not get the accolades he rightfully deserves, his teammates and coaches know how valuable he is. A versatile player who could start at all three positions, Wright is most at home on the weakside, where his long arms and coverage instincts allow him to lock up opposing tight ends. See last year’s performance against New Orleans Saints All-Pro Jimmy Graham in the playoffs, after Wright missed three games with a broken foot, as evidence.

The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the team will likely have a decision to make over whether to keep him or Smith. So Wright’s performance this season could go a long way toward securing his long-term future with the team.

Bruce Irvin (third season, West Virginia)

One of the key questions surrounding the Hawks defense last season was whether Irvin — the team’s first-round pick in 2012 — could make the transition from rush end to linebacker, particularly after serving a four-game suspension for PED use.

Irvin quietly allayed those concerns with his play in 2013. Though his sack numbers were down from 2012, when he led all rookies with eight, Irvin looked at home at his new position. He was obviously comfortable rushing the passer, but also did a nice job in run support and dropping back in coverage, best displaying his overall game in a Week 8 victory over the Rams, when he registered nine tackles, a sack and an interception.

The 26-year-old underwent hip surgery in early June and likely won’t be ready for the regular-season opener, but he should regain his starting job upon return.

Malcolm Smith (fourth season, USC)

Smith was one of the team’s most pleasant surprises of 2013, filling in on the strongside during Irvin’s suspension then playing on the weakside, first when Wright moved inside in place of an injured Wagner and then again when Wright went down with his own foot injury.

The 2011 seventh-round pick isn’t a pass-rusher, but he excels in coverage and stopping the run. Best of all, he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, picking up interceptions in four of the Seahawks’ last five games — including on Richard Sherman’s tip to clinch the NFC championship game and his pick-six against Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl.

Smith may have been among the most unlikely Super Bowl MVPs in history, but his versatility ensures he’ll be a valuable piece in the linebacking corps again in 2014. But entering the last year of his rookie deal and coming off of offseason ankle surgery, whether or not the 25-year-old has a future in Seattle after this season is anyone’s guess.

Injured

Heath Farwell (ninth season, San Diego State)Carroll revealed Monday that the special teams captain and goal-line specialist suffered “extensive damage” to his groin and likely needs surgery following Friday’s preseason win over the Bears. Farwell’s season is probably over before it began.

On the bubble

Brock Coyle (rookie, Montana)The rookie free agent was in a tough battle with Farwell to secure a reserve job, and with Farwell’s injury it’s nearly a foregone conclusion that Coyle makes the team. With Wagner out, Coyle started twice at middle linebacker this preseason and looked up to the task. He doesn’t yet look comfortable in coverage, but seems to be a solid run-stopper who will also be a contributor on special teams.

Mike Morgan (fourth season, USC)Morgan has been a longshot to make the roster every year since signing with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2011, but he’s consistently done enough on special teams and as a reserve to warrant a spot with the team. This year is no different, especially as Morgan has had a chance to shine in training camp with Smith and Irvin out.

Kevin Pierre-Louis (rookie, Boston College)The rookie has been slowed by an oblique injury in training camp, but has shown flashes of the athleticism that had the Seahawks excited after selecting him in the fourth round of May’s draft. He played both weakside and strongside at BC, which seemingly makes him an ideal candidate for a Seattle coaching staff that values versatility. Pierre-Louis still looks a little lost at times, but his upside will make it hard for the Hawks to part with him.

Korey Toomer (third season, Idaho)After missing the past two seasons with injuries, the 2012 fifth-round pick was one of the stories of the offseason. Toomer looked fully healed from the shoulder and knee problems that erased his first two NFL campaigns, displaying his trademark quickness throughout OTAs and minicamp. But a hamstring problem knocked him out of much of training camp and the first two preseason games, and there might not be enough time for him to make his case for a roster spot.

Likely Cuts

Marcus Dowtin (third season, North Alabama)

Dowtin has bounced around the league since entering as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and played well in the Hawks’ win over the Bears.

Horace Miller (rookie, Texas-El Paso)

The ultra-athletic Miller flashed at times this offseason, but a sprained knee likely cost him a chance of making the roster.